An abrupt southerly wind change, often producing strong and squally winds and sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and a sharp drop in temperature. These strike Sydney mainly during the summer months.

19 November 2003

Conservative MP Michael Portillo was also drawn into the debate when an open letter published in the Guardian suggested Mr Bush should not rely too heavily on the Metropolitan police because they had failed to protect the Royal Family from 'a joker dressed as Osama bin Laden'.

A spokesman for the force said: 'We have been protecting the Royal Family and the Cabinet for over 100 years, and if you can name any of them who have been assassinated, you tell me.'